A plea to new DU'ers

Hi, I'm Steve and I've been here almost 9 years now. As you will notice, I don't post as much as some. There's a reason for this. I consider DU to be for three main purposes: 1) dissemination of accurate political and other information; 2) discussion of this information; and 3) the possibility of changing one's mind about this information/topic/issue. Of course, fun is always a possibility too. I like to read the debates and *possibly* change my mind. I have changed my mind on several issues and I'm open to changing my mind again. I like to be wrong in private

My plea: It might be human nature to be closed-minded. It's certainly a common human condition, if it's not "human nature". Open your mind to new opinions and new viewpoints. I have. It's enriching. At the bare minimum, you will understand the "other side" of the argument better. You might even make a "DU friend", who might eventually become a real life friend.

That's it. I'm trying to be open-minded and I've been wrong before. Have a wonderful DU experience.

2. Radical openmindedness is part of being an intelligent leftist

Consider all things carefully.
Accept nothing upon faith.
Doubt the established order.

Political or philosophical discussions should never feel "reassuring." That's one of the main symptoms of conservative "discussion." There is no room for debate. They spend the entire time patting themselves on the backs. Usually for doing despicable things.

What makes us different as progressive people is our willingness to respect other intelligent opinion not simply because it has a right to exist but also because you might very well be incorrect.

The concept of being incorrect is not really an acceptable position when it comes to conservatives. The beliefs they were taught as young, ignorant children are what they grasp on to their entire lives. This is why xenophobia and group-think are so common among the "right." It's arrested development.

4. I totally agree, great post!

5. totally agree

I was here a long time ago and the board has grown which means more ideas to absorb and learn from.Things heated up during primaries and I hope we learn from it,come out better friends and stronger as a party .

11. Humanity

Hi, my first post here as well.

OP (if you are still reading this post as March 7 was a while back >.> ), I wanted to say that I completely agree.

I think the best way to avoid being closed minded is to try and remember that the person you are talking to/chatting with/ debating is a human being too. A human with feelings, pride, hopes, and dreams. A person who is more than likely has the best of intentions and trying explaining what they believe is best. They are neither stupid or evil.

Of course, when discussing issues you feel passionate about, its easy to forget that. I know that in the past I have let my own passions blind me, but its not about how often we fail to live up to our own expectations, but rather how often we get back up and try again, right?

PS: Is there any type of policy here about responding to old threads? IE Necromancy? I know other forums I have been to have had policies against it, but couldn't find anything here talking about that. This thread looked like a good thread to make my first post in but the OP is over a month old...though the post before mine is from a couple of days ago >.>

21. thanks, kind of you

20. Well I try very hard to be open minded...

but sometimes there are just things you get stuck on and you need a little patience. For right now, I am mostly staying away from the debates. I figure once I get to know DU better I may wade into the more rambunctious threads.
Thanks for your advice. Hope to see you on the boards.

24. it will be, I promise nt

25. Thanks steve2470

I am new to DU. In reading many posts here, I believe I have found a place of like minded individuals that will help subside my escalating displeasure with mankind. Thanks for your comments of "open mindedness", I will proceed with caution

30. Add a libertarian democrat to the ranks!

This is my first post and I've been a Republican my entire voting life. I would even say I swing toward the libertarian extreme. But within the last decade the Republican party has started scaring the hell out of me. I'm not sure if I'm just getting older and wiser, or they are really getting that bad. I voted against Obama his first term, but after seeing how the right began systematically pecking away at his administration, and sabotaging anything that would make genuine improvements, I was disgusted and ashamed. Obama got my vote his second term. I believe in the principals the GOP used to stand for, but they have shifted so much I just can't associate with them anymore. All of the racism and hatred seems to gravitate toward that side, and I can't tell you how much more intelligent and open-minded the posts are here.

I still can't say I can agree with everything the Democrats do, but anyone who agrees with their chosen party 100% is likely a brainwashed minion. I would know.